Self-Discipline

In the quiet countryside of Bethlehem, David learned the value of discipline. Day after day, he tended his flock, protecting them from danger, guiding them to safety, and caring for their needs. These seemingly mundane tasks prepared him for far greater responsibilities. As David learned from the village Elder: “If you try to place the capstone without working on the foundation, everything will crumble.”

 

People often praise the accomplishments of great men and women, but they rarely see or recognize the days, months, or even years of dedication it took to reach those achievements. Building the foundation is never glamorous but it is necessary. Nobody becomes great overnight and nothing meaningful is built in a day.

 

Discipline is the foundation upon which greatness is built, and this stone reminds us that faithfulness in small things paves the way for the larger victories in life.

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• What daily habits or disciplines are helping you grow into the person you want to become?

• Is there an area where you need more consistency before expecting greater rewards?

• What is one practical step you can take this week to strengthen your foundation for future success?

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I once heard a quote that went like this: "Most people stand at the harbor of life waiting for their ship to come in, while knowing in their hearts that it never set sail in the first place."

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We can't expect results in any aspect of life, be it at work, at home, or in our spiritual life, without putting in a sustained effort. We must continue to do that work even when we aren't seeing results.

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There is a type of bamboo that, after planted, doesn't grow above the soil for up to 7 years! But in the 8th year it will shoot up 20-30 feet into the air. Was nothing happening during those 7 years? No. All the work was being done to create a root system, or foundation, that could support such explosive growth.

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So don't hesitate to do the work necessary. If you do, your day of explosive growth will come!